By Michael Gwarisa
In a bid to combat child hunger and improve health and learning outcomes, World Vision Zimbabwe has launched the ENOUGH Campaign, set to reach approximately 2.5 million children across the country’s 10 provinces.
Launched globally in 2024, the campaign is a call to action for governments, organizations, and communities to unite in ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food and a healthier future.
Zimbabwe, like many other countries, continues to face high levels of food insecurity, exacerbated by climate shocks such as droughts, economic challenges, and the rising cost of living.
Speaking at the launch, Food and Nutrition Council (FNC) Director, Dr. George Kembo, said the ENOUGH Campaign aligns with the government’s vision to eradicate hunger, particularly among children.
As we launch the ENOUGH campaign today, I’m reminded of the urgent need to address child hunger and malnutrition in our beloved country. The statistics are alarming: approximately 27% of children under five are stunted—more than half a million children—while 7.7% are underweight (ZDHS, 2024). These numbers underscore the need for immediate and collective action,” said Dr. Kembo.
He added that the ENOUGH Campaign resonates with the government’s commitments, particularly the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritizes food security and nutrition.
“Our campaign aims to support these efforts by mobilizing resources, expertise, and community engagement to address hunger and malnutrition. Hunger and malnutrition are complex issues that require a comprehensive approach, involving the government, civil society, the private sector, and local communities.”
Dr. Kembo further emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to improve access to nutritious food, particularly for vulnerable populations, strengthen health systems to tackle malnutrition and related health issues, promote sustainable livelihoods and climate-resilient agriculture practices and support education and awareness initiatives to change behaviors and attitudes toward nutrition.
The Zimbabwean government has made significant strides in addressing hunger and malnutrition through various policies and commitments. The National Food and Nutrition Security Policy (FNSP), launched in 2013, aims to ensure adequate food and nutrition security for all Zimbabweans. Additionally, the National Nutrition Strategy (NNS) 2014-2018 prioritizes evidence-based nutrition interventions.
Recognizing the critical role of nutrition in education, the government has also implemented school feeding programs. However, more needs to be done. Dr. Kembo urged parents and communities to support initiatives such as the Home-Grown School Feeding Policy, which promotes local food production to provide school meals and improve child nutrition.
Speaking to HealthTimes on the sidelines of the launch event in Harare, World Vision Zimbabwe National Director, Dr. Assan Golowa, stressed that the campaign was not just about providing food but ensuring children receive the right nutrition.
“For World Vision, our strategy targets 2.5 million children across Zimbabwe over the next three years. We are focusing on priority districts within all 10 provinces, ensuring our efforts reach those most in need,” said Dr. Golowa.
He added that child hunger is worsening globally due to conflicts, funding shortages, the aftereffects of COVID-19, and climate change.
“This campaign aims to bring together World Vision, the government, international organizations, development agencies, and local communities to develop initiatives that will help end child hunger in Zimbabwe and beyond.”
As Zimbabwe continues to battle food insecurity and malnutrition, the ENOUGH Campaign offers a beacon of hope for millions of vulnerable children. With coordinated efforts from the government, civil society, and international partners, the vision of a hunger-free future for Zimbabwe’s children is within reach.
